UEFA to investigate racist chants during Euro 2012

Warsaw, June 13 (ANI): The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has confirmed it is investigation of alleged racist chanting during Euro 2012 matches between Spain and Italy and Russia v Czech Republic.

In a statement to Sports24, UEFA said, "Following the provision of new independent information on Tuesday, regarding the two cases of alleged racist chanting in the Spain-Italy and Russia-Czech Republic matches, UEFA is now conducting further investigations."

"There are, however, no disciplinary proceedings opened at this moment in time," it added.

According to reports, Italian striker Mario Balotelli was a victim of racist chanting during a Group C match with Spain in Gdansk on Sunday.

Czech Republic defender Theodor Gebre Selassie also claimed that he had "noticed" racist chants directed at him in his side's opening Group A game with Russia in Wroclaw, but no official complaints have been made to UEFA by Italy or Czech Republic.

UEFA is on high alert for incidents of racism during the June 8-July 1 tournament.

The governing body has also written to the mayors of Polish and Ukrainian cities, which are hosting Euro 2012 training sessions on Monday, to ask for an increased police presence to avoid racist behaviour from fans. (ANI)